ASK FOR ANY SIGN.

ASK FOR A SIGN. 

"The LORD spoke to Ahaz:

Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;

let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

But Ahaz answered,

“I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”

Then Isaiah said:

Listen, O house of David!

Is it not enough for you to weary men,

must you also weary my God?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:

the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and shall name him Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7: 10 - 11 14).

Saturday December 20th 2025 of the 3rd Week of Advent.

Our faith grows when we hear the promise of God and believe it. 

A couple of weeks before Advent some years ago, God asked me to pay attention to four signs He worked in my life. I wrote down the four signs and posted it near my workstation where I can see it easily. The more I look at the signs, the more I realized that God had done remarkable miracles for me. I had neglected to take them seriously. 

Signs in the Gospel of St John means miracles. Signs like traffic signs point to something. [Cf Jeremiah 29:11].

"The Lord spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!

But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” (Cf Isaiah 7: 10 - 14).

Ahaz heard the word of God and instead of rejoicing in faith, he behaved in unbelief. 

Ahaz was facing a monumental military showdown with the kings of Israel and Syria. 

Only God could save him and his nation. Yet he refused to believe in God. 

He was not persuaded by a faithful and trustworthy Prophet as Isaiah. All that Ahaz would have said is: "Lord save us from the Syrians and the King of Israel." But Ahaz had no faith in God. 

God nonetheless gave a sign bigger than antbody could imagine. 

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: 

the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." ( Cf Isaiah 7: 10 - 14). 

Today, I understand the Pre-Advent signs that the Lord asked me to pay special attention to. It says to me: "I the Lord your God gave you those four signs. Nothing is impossible for me to do for you. All things are easy for me. In the fullness of time you will see." 

Thank You Father, I get the message. 

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in December. 

"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html

ZACHARIAH AND THE PROBLEM OF UNBELIEF.

THE UNBELIEF OF ZACHARIAH.  

"In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; 

his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

"Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.

"Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. 

"Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense.

 Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

"But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.

 Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.

 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. 

"He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 

"He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

"Then Zechariah said to the angel,

 “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

"And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God.

 I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

"Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary.

 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary.

 He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

"Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.

"After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,

 “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” (Luke 1: 5 - 25).

Friday 19th December of the 3rd Week of Advent.

In yesterday's Gospel Reading, we saw the operations of God's sovereign Providence in the choice of Mary and Joseph whose entire lives could be described as a Predestination.

Today, we see Elizabeth and Zachariah, her husband who are also destined by divine Providence to be key players in the team of forerunners of the Messiah.

Zachariah brought a serious problem of Unbelief to the Call. 

Zachariah was old and Elizabeth was also old. This is a considerable impediment in the way of human beings.

 In the first Reading from Judges, the parents of Samson saw that all things are possible for God and all things are easy for God to do.

In the new dispensation, in order to enjoy the promised blessings, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, you need faith and plenty of patience.

Like Elizabeth, you will be severely tested in the school of Waiting before you can say:

"After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

Happy Advent!

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of December. 

"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1

THE CHOSEN: MARY AND JOSEPH.

JOSEPH AND MARY - CHOSEN.

THE PREDESTINATION OF JOSEPH AND MARY. 

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. 

"When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

"Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

"Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 

"She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,

"Which means “God is with us.” 

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. 

He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus." (Matthew 1: 18 - 25).

Thursday December 18th, 3rd Week of Advent. Weekday (O Adonai). 

The Gospel of today on how the Birth of Jesus came about is a familiar one. 

This Gospel reveals the Predestination of Mary and Joseph. 

The roles that Mary and Joseph played in salvation history were not arbitrary. 

Every step, every moment was predestined according to God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. 

Here comes Joseph! The three members of the Holy Family are named in our Gospel of today: Mary, Joseph and Jesus-Emmanuel.

Who is Joseph?

St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.

God communicates with us through a variety of ways, viz:

#1. Inspiration

#2. Locution

#3. Sacred Scripture

#4.  Prophetic person /message

#5.  Dream

St Joseph is a man of dreams.  Matthew recorded 4 Dreams of Joseph in the Infancy Narrative:

1. Matthew 1: 24

2. Matthew 2: 13

3. Matthew 2: 19

4. Matthew 2:  22

"When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home."  (Matthew 1: 24).

Joseph is a very docile and obedient man.

Joseph is a just and considerate man.  Consider what he did faced with the evidence that Mary was carrying a child not his own:

"Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly."  (Matthew 1:  19).

Joseph is a man of high purity and chastity. God chose him to be the husband of Mary because God had fitted him with the appropriate graces to protect the perpetual virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Joseph the humble carpenter is the patron saint of workers.  He understands that genuine labor is collaborating with God where, what and when you are assigned.

The Church considers St Joseph the greatest Saint after the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joseph is so fittingly named the Patron of the Universal Church.  Remember that he was the Guardian of Jesus and in his intercessory role, you can believe that Jesus will deny nothing to Joseph.

One week today is the end of Waiting. The Glorious Christmas!

"O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!"

"Such a man was Saint Joseph. He was the living image of My Father, and he was chosen by My Father to be a father to Me in My sacred humanity. Let My priests go to Saint Joseph. He will obtain for them this priceless gift of spiritual fatherhood, and he will guide them in the delicate and difficult work of being true fathers to souls." (IN SINU JESU, Friday, November 15, 2013).

The Glorious Christmas!

"O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!"

Our lives too are governed by the same sovereign Design, Plan, Purpose and Providence of the all-powerful and loving God who prefers to be called Father. 

During the remaining days of the Advent Season and all throughout the Christmas Season, reflect often on God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence directing you step by step and moment by moment.

 It sounds too good to be true. Brethren, it is the Absolute Truth! 

Happy Advent!

December is the Month the Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/11/novena-of-immaculate-conception.html?m=

THE FAMILY TREE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST. 

For the Evangelist St Matthew, Jesus Christ is the Son of David and and is truly the Messiah promised by God. 

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the ­father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his ­brothers. 

Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the ­father of Amminadab.

 Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.

 Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed ­became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.

 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. 

Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. 

Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. 

Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.

 Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. 

Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. 

Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations;

 from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations;

 from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations." (Matthew 1: 1 - 2 & 15 - 16).

Wednesday 17th December 2025 of the 3rd Week of Advent.

 From 17th December, we are one week to the Eve of Christmas Day. 

The Church starts singing the O - Antiphons. 

Pay attention to the readings at Mass.

Do you consider the Genealogy of Jesus Christ boring? Not when you understand the purpose for its inclusion in Sacred Scriptures. 

The Holy Spirit, the Author of the Sacred Text does not waste words as human authors do. 

Here are a few reasons for the Genealogy or Family History of Jesus Christ:

#1 Jesus Christ is truly God and truly Man. He descended from the lines of Abraham and David.

#2 His human family is not perfect (like His Church is not perfect). It contains saints and sinners. Jesus was not ashamed of His family nor was He ever tempted to deny them.

#3 His family lineage was planned by God from the foundation of the ages. So do not be scandalized by what you see. Same story with your family line. God does not make mistakes. 

#4 By the time Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, gone were the days of the great patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and great kings like David and Solomon. 

What we have are common folks like Joseph and Mary.

 God has a plan that will lead us to the humble stable in Bethlehem where Jesus will be born, the King of the Jews. 

He will be born the poor son of the Virgin of Nazareth.

The Genealogy teaches us that God is merciful and faithful.

 God did not choose the best and filtered humanity. He chose whom He pleases, a mixed bag.

"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." (Ephesians I: 5 NLT)

God had decreed that the Redeemer will come out of real humanity.

“The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob;

and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11: 26 - 27).

"In respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarchs.  For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable."  (Romans 11: 28 - 29).

Again: "The gift and the call of God are irrevocable." Amen!

The Church teaches that it will arrive at its perfection in the Escathon, the End of the age. 

 As we make our pilgrimage towards our home, the Church labors to grow in the fullness of truth and charity. 

 Each life committed to Christ hastens the Second Coming.

"O Wisdom of our God Most High,

guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!" 

Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus! 

"Such a man was Saint Joseph. He was the living image of My Father, and he was chosen by My Father to be a father to Me in My sacred humanity. Let My priests go to Saint Joseph. He will obtain for them this priceless gift of spiritual fatherhood, and he will guide them in the delicate and difficult work of being true fathers to souls." (IN SINU JESU, Friday, November 15, 2013).

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of December. 

Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception, Novena, Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1

DISHONEST LIP SERVICE.

DISHONEST LIP SERVICE. 

"Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:

“What is your opinion? 

A man had two sons. 

He came to the first and said,

‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 

The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’

but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 

The man came to the other son and gave the same order. 

He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 

Which of the two did his father’s will?” 

They answered, “The first.” 

Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,

tax collectors and prostitutes

are entering the Kingdom of God before you. 

When John came to you in the way of righteousness,

you did not believe him;

but tax collectors and prostitutes did. 

Yet even when you saw that,

you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21: 28 -  32).

Tuesday December 16 2025 of the 3rd Week of Advent. 

What is possibly the best and most important thing you can do for yourself and your family in the next several days left in Advent?

Reconciliation! Reconciliation! Reconciliation!

Why do I say this? Because the grace of the Advent Reconciliation is comparable to that of Lenten Reconciliation.

 Lent and Advent are two special seasons of Mercy in the Church.

What is Mercy? Mercy is our Heavenly Father's response to our messiness.

 Instead of punishing us with anger, He embraces us with complete forgiveness. 

Remember the ABC of MERCY:

ASK FOR MERCY. 

BE MERCIFUL. 

COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY. 

 THE  days of Advent are times of favor.

 The appointed time for special release of all types of graces and healing.

Do not harden your heart. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. He is waiting for you with open arms. Rush to Him.

Lip service is condemned in the Gospel of today. "I will go." But of course did not mean it. 

 Advent invites us to examine our attitude to God and make corrections where necessary so that we can take maximum advantage of the outpouring of mercy from the Heart of God, our Father. 

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day in December. 

Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/11/novena-of-immaculate-conception.html?m=

QUESTION OF AUTHORITY.

WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY? 

"And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, 

"By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" 

 Jesus answered them,

 "I also will ask you a question; and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you🔞🔞 by what authority I do these things. 

 The baptism of John, whence was it? 🔞

🔞

From heaven or from men?" 

And they argued with one another, 

"If we say, `From🔞 heaven,' he will say to us, `Why then did you not believe him?' 

 But if we say, `From men,' we are afraid of the multitude; for all hold that John was a prophet." 

 So they answered Jesus, "We do not know."

g

 And he  gy8,sah is vv9uid to th887, 8e,m, "Neither 👻 I gtell you by u88, gwhat authority Iug do these8g g tm I will be bbbbbbbbhi8g8g8,7ngs." (Matthy7ew 21: 23 - 27).8g

E, 8,,8,cg,88 
huc8,, g

Mond8a7, 8,y 15th78g7874 is a greatg tim8g,Expa7g8gnded Mondays ge time to to meet meet talk about your job

with cperson in 8hbbbbbhh 66December 2t 555r025 in the 3rd Week 555rdtrr Adventdtrrdzr

God is the source of all authority on earth. Examples: Parental authority, military and government authority all come from God. 

Jesus being God has inherent authority. 

The Kingdom 😔 God is already here and now. The Church is the seed of that Kingdom. 

Where does the Pope get his authority? Not from the barrels of the gun as some dictators believe. Stalin quipped:  "How many military divisions does the Pope have?"

Jesus answered the question of Pontius Pilate:

"My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."

Jesus also told Pilate that his authority to judge and condemn Jesus came from God

The question for us is:

Does King Jesus reign over your heart and mind and finances? If not, Advent is the Season of grace to place your life under the authority of Jesus Christ

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of December. Today is December 15. 16 days to go. 

Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html

THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1

THE IDENTITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

WHO IS JOHN THE BAPTIST? 

"Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples  and said to him, "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

 And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 

 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, 

lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, 

and the dead are raised up, 

and the poor have good news preached to them. 

 And blessed is he who takes no offense at me." 

 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John:

 "What did you go out into the wilderness to behold?

 A reed shaken by the wind? 

 Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment?

 Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings' houses. 

 Why then did you go out?

 To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

 This is he of whom it is written, 'Behold I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.'

  Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; 

yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11: 2 - 11).

Sunday 14th December of the 3rd Week of Advent. Gaudate - Rejoice Sunday! 

In today's Gospel, the disciples of the Baptist asked Jesus:

Are you Jesus the Messiah or who are you in fact?

The way Jesus answers the question gives us an insight on how to think about ourselves as disciples of Jesus.

Jesus said to them in reply, 

“Go and tell John what you hear and see:

 the blind regain their sight,

 the lame walk, 

lepers are cleansed,

 the deaf hear, 

the dead are raised, 

and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

. 

Jesus queried the disciples of John the Baptist:

What have you noticed about Me?

What do I do from day to day?

What do you hear me say?

What type of people hang out with Me?

Let us put the answer of Jesus in a little lullaby:

If you bark, you are a dog.

If you sing, you are a mockingbird.

If you fly, you are an eagle.

Jesus told His adversaries: If you do not believe that I am the Messiah, check out what I do and say and be honest and believe that I am the Genuine Article. By your fruits, you shall be known.

Friends, what do you do to show that you are a follower of Jesus? 

How would your non-Christian neighbor suspect that you are a Christian?

 By the fruits you manifest, you will show who you are. The fruits are the fruits the Holy Spirit produces in us:

Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity.

Before you think this is impossible, note well that it is the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit to produce these fruits in us. Jesus said: Without Me, you can do absolutely nothing. (Cf John 15: 5).

Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard.

THE CHURCH honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in December. 

For the Immaculate Conception Novena, Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html

THE MEMORIAL OF ST LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.

MEMORIAL OF ST LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR. 

"As they were coming down from the mountain,

the disciples asked Jesus,

"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;

but I tell you that Elijah has already come,

and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands."

Then the disciples understood

that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist." (Matthew 17: 7 - 10, 13).

Saturday, 13th December of the 2nd Week of Advent is the feast of St Lucy, Virgin and Martyr. 

Lucy was born circa 283 AD in a noble Roman family. She consecrated her virginity early to Jesus Christ. When she refused to marry Paschasius, he was enraged and reported her to the government as a Christian. When all efforts to make Lucy change her mind failed, she was condemned to death. She was tortured and her two eyes were gorged out. 

 Lucy died a martyr under Emperor Diocletian (+304).  Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and all those who have eye trouble. Lucy had been venerated as a saint from antiquity. Her name is included in the Roman Canon. 

Elijah the great prophet came back in the person of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight His paths and people did not recognize the hour or the opportunity. 

 Although he appeared like a fire whose words were as a flaming furnace, yet people took little notice. The noise in the world was too loud and impenetrable for the message of salvation.

This is Advent, less than ten days to Christmas. Arise from your sleep.  Do not allow Christmas shopping and any other frenzied activities to obscure the true meaning of the Season.

The Lord is surely coming in splendor to visit His people. Prepare to welcome Him.

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of December. 

"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html

THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her." (Luke 1: 25 - 35).

Friday December 12th 2025 in the 2nd Week of Advent is the great Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Church honors the Mother of the Redeemer, the Heavenly Princess with the title of Lady, Mother, Queen, Virgin, etc. Different titles to honor and show our love and devotion to the Queen of Heaven, the Holy Mother of God. 

The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe started in 1531, long before the United States of America.

 Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a young Aztec man. She was dressed as a simple pregnant Mexican woman. 

She left an imprint of herself on the tilma of Juan Diego. 

This Tilma is intact and is venerated today by pilgrims from all over the world in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the preeminent titles of Mary because of the significance of the event in Guadalupe, Mexico in 1531 and its continued relevance to the faith of Christians in the Americas because Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the the Americas not just Mexico.

The Blessed Virgin Mary's apparition to St Juan Diego on December 12, 1531 set off a series of events, conversions, miracles and the building of a great Church which has since become a Basilica. 

It is estimated that annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Guadalupe is about 10 million.

“I have great hopes in your love for Christ and for men. There is a great deal to be done. Let us set out with renewed enthusiasm; united with Christ, under the motherly gaze of the Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe the sweet mother of priests and religious.” (Pope St John Paul II). 

In our key Scripture for today, the Archangel Gabriel gave Mary a testimony of God's marvelous miracle for Elizabeth in order to confirm Mary's faith.

I love to hear stories of miracles. They build my faith. You too should cherish miracle stories. Better still, don't hide the wonderful things God is doing for you.

 Expect a miracle every day and share the story.

Mary said to Gabriel after she heard of Elizabeth big miracle, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1: 36 - 38).

Happy Advent!

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day in December. 

Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/11/novena-of-immaculate-conception.html?m=

THE FEAST OF ST DAMASUS 1ST, ROMAN PONTIFF.

FEAST OF ST DAMASUS 1ST, ROMAN PONTIFF AND MARTYR.

«J«sus said to the crowds:

“Amen, I say to you,

among those born of women

there has been none greater than John the Baptist;

yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

From the days of John the Baptist until now,

the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence,

and the violent are taking it by force. 

All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. 

And if you are willing to accept it,

he is Elijah, the one who is to come. 

Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 11: 11‐15).

Thursday11th December 2025 2nd Week of Advent is the feast of St Damasus 1 (305 - 384). Pope.

Born in Rome but of Spanish descent. Damasus presided over the See of Peter when the Church was rocked by many heresies. Arian heresy had not yet been crushed.

He defended the Church against schismatics.  Damasus is the Pope who commissioned St Jerome to translate the Bible into common Latin. This translation called the Vulgate made the Latin language the official language of the Church.

From the days of
 John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Matthew 11: 12).

Thursday 11th December 2025, 2nd Week of Advent.

In the Gospel for today (Matthew 11: 11 - 15), Jesus praised His cousin John as the greatest prophet. No surprise when you line up all the prophets along with their profiles.

 From the prophecy of the birth of John to his naming and dedication, there were many supernatural signs. His lifestyle and ministry were extraordinary.

After praising John the Baptist, Jesus said something curious and difficult to understand: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Matthew 11: 12).

What does Jesus mean? The kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force?

First, we know that the Church is the seed of the kingdom of God on earth. We know that the Church suffers lots and lots of persecutions?

 But how are the violent taking the kingdom of God by force? The kingdom of God is the ultimate destination of all men. Men should set their hearts, minds and energy to reach it by all means. And people who understand this urgency are seizing the kingdom of God by force.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world (kingdom of man) which is temporary and limited and misses the kingdom of God which is limitless and everlasting?

John the Baptist left us an example of how to take the kingdom of God by force: Singleness of purpose, tremendous courage, radical evangelical poverty, humility and martyrdom.

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day in December. 

Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. 

"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/11/novena-of-immaculate-conception.html?m=

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LORETO.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LORETO. 

COME TO ME. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.   For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11 - 28 - 30)."

Wednesday December 10, Feast of Our Lady of Loreto.

"Litany of Loreto,

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of Virgins,

Etc." (The Litany of Loreto has been in use in the Church since the 15th Century under Pope St Pius V).

Gracious invitation from Christ Jesus in today's Gospel. (Matthew 11: 28 - 30).

But how do we respond to this invitation from Christ? 

We come to Jesus in:

Prayer. 

His word. 

Eucharist. 

Reconciliation. 

When we encounter Him in the poor.  

What are the labors and burdens that we bring to Christ the Doctor to heal?

First, we bring our burdens of sin.

We are overwhelmed with fears, worries and doubts about our:

Health. 

Family. 

Finances. 

Job. 

Tools and Possessions. 

Food. 

Future. 

We bring all the above to Jesus in confident trust that He who promised to help us will not fail. 

Jesus makes easy what is difficult and revolting to human nature.  He makes light what is most burdensome.  This is the secret of the saints. 

Saints suffer imprisonment, persecution and even death because they have the grace of God to help them. Without this grace, it is impossible for human nature to embrace these crosses. 

Jesus Christ has promised us His grace if we embrace Him and His teaching.  With His grace on our side, all things become possible. 

With our daily bread of this grace given at the beginning of each day, we are equipped to live fully for Christ in these areas of human struggle:  health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.  Lord, give me this day my daily bread of your grace.  Amen!

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html

THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1